Oakland's three councilmen wrote letters of support for a Texas development
company seeking a variance to construct a building at 3407 Forbes Avenue.
The fundamental purpose of this project is to provide student housing
for the University of Pittsburgh. One month ago I wrote a letter to each
councilman seeking explanations of their support. There has been no response.
The executive director of the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation
did not respond to similar requests.

I opposed the variance at the Zoning Board of Adjustment for many reasons,
but primarily because of its potentially devastating impact on the residential
community and small businesses in Oakland. Unfortunately, the variance
was granted.

A new paradigm has emerged with a lawsuit filed to appeal the ruling.
This legal action could potentially be the prelude to a class action
lawsuit to protect the heritage of Oakland's residential community and
stop the university's ongoing expansion.

We all know the value a university brings to a city, but there must
be a balance between the needs of the university and the needs of its
host community. This council and others have placed the glory and economic
benefits the university brings to this city far above the dignity of
residents who are severely impacted by the university's uncontrolled
growth.

Our grassroots movement began eight years ago. During that time this
council has never taken an action to protect the community from the university's
expansion. Years ago I asked a councilman, "Why doesn't the University
of Pittsburgh do more for the community of Oakland?" His said, "You cannot
force people to care." That is precisely why a community looks to the
moral integrity of its elected leaders. Their job is to enact laws and
protect the community from those who do not care enough.

At a recent community meeting, a longtime resident stated, "Oakland's
being destroyed by too many students." This kind of sentiment, felt by
Oakland residents, has been ignored by this council and others for far
too long.

Changes are coming. Where will the next paradigm shift emerge? From
this council enacting laws placing a moratorium on further student expansion
in Oakland? From the men and women of the local and national media who
will adhere to the ideals and principles of their profession? Or will
it come from the leaders of the university itself who will understand
that the residents of Oakland have suffered enough from the university's
never-ending expansion?

Carlino Giampolo

Pitthetic: noun – a university, organization, government
entity, or individual that negatively impacts a community by action
or inaction; adjective – pathetic as a direct result of
a university, organization, government entity, or individual's negative
influence.